Cannabis and live music are a match made in sensory heaven.
There’s something about the rhythmic pulse of a bassline and the euphoric buzz of THC that enhances the experience in ways no sober moment quite can. However, despite the growing legalization of cannabis, most music venues and festivals still enforce strict policies prohibiting its use. This leaves concert-goers and festival enthusiasts looking for creative and discreet ways to bring their stash along.
While sneaking weed into an event isn’t exactly rocket science, it does require careful planning and a solid understanding of security measures. The goal isn’t just to avoid getting caught but also to ensure a hassle-free, enjoyable experience without unnecessary risks.
If you’re determined to enhance your concert experience with a little green, this guide will walk you through the best methods to get it past security and enjoy it safely.
Understanding Security Measures and Risk Levels
Before even considering how to bring cannabis into an event, it’s essential to assess the level of security you’ll be facing. Different festivals and concerts have different levels of strictness, and knowing what to expect will help you make smarter decisions.
For smaller venues and local festivals, security is often limited to basic bag checks and metal detectors. This means you only need to be mindful of obvious hiding spots, and as long as your stash isn’t out in the open, you should be fine. However, larger events, especially mainstream music festivals like Coachella or Lollapalooza, tend to enforce more rigorous searches. These may include thorough bag inspections, pat-downs, and, in some cases, drug-sniffing dogs.
Understanding these measures allows you to tailor your approach. If you’re facing a quick bag search, hiding weed inside a discreet container may be enough. If the event is known for more aggressive security, you’ll need to get more creative with your concealment strategies.
The Art of Hiding Weed in Plain Sight
One of the best ways to get something past security is to disguise it as something completely ordinary. Security personnel are trained to look for specific items, and as long as your stash doesn’t match their mental checklist, it’s unlikely to draw attention.
Everyday objects like mint tins, chapstick tubes, and old cigarette packs make excellent hiding spots. A small bag of flower or a rolled joint fits easily inside an empty Altoids container, while an old chapstick tube can be cleaned out to serve as a makeshift stash box. If you prefer something less obvious, rolling a joint and tucking it inside an unused tampon applicator is another nearly foolproof method. Security rarely—if ever—thoroughly inspects personal hygiene products, making this an ideal hiding spot.
For those attending outdoor festivals, sunscreen and lotion bottles provide another excellent disguise. Since most festivals encourage attendees to bring sun protection, a bottle with a false bottom or an emptied-out section can serve as the perfect hiding place for pre-rolls or even a small vape pen. The key is to make sure the item still looks and feels legitimate; a half-empty sunscreen bottle with an unnatural weight distribution might arouse suspicion.
Edibles: The Ultimate Hassle-Free Solution
If you want to completely avoid the stress of sneaking in traditional cannabis products, edibles are the way to go. Unlike flower or vape pens, edibles eliminate the risks associated with odor and visible paraphernalia. This makes them one of the safest and most convenient options for cannabis consumption at music events.
The trick to getting edibles past security is simple—package them like regular snacks. A bag of THC-infused gummies, for example, can be placed inside a resealed package of Haribo or Sour Patch Kids. If you’re feeling extra cautious, you can even go as far as heat-sealing the package with an iron, making it look completely untampered with. Cookies or brownies, on the other hand, can be mixed into a container with non-infused baked goods, blending in seamlessly.
One important factor to consider when opting for edibles is timing. Unlike smoking or vaping, which deliver effects almost instantly, edibles take time to kick in. Eating too much too quickly can result in an overwhelming high, which is the last thing you want at a crowded festival. The best approach is to consume a moderate dose about an hour before entering the venue so that you can start feeling the effects as the music begins.
Where to Hide Your Stash
If you prefer to bring traditional cannabis rather than edibles, you’ll need a secure place to hide it. Some of the most reliable methods involve using items that security is less likely to scrutinize closely.
For example, placing a small bag of cannabis inside the sole of your shoe is an old-school trick that still works well. However, it’s important to ensure that the bag is properly sealed and won’t break open under pressure. Another common method is tucking a joint inside the waistband of your underwear or bra, as pat-downs rarely go beyond external clothing layers.
Larger stash items may require more creativity.
A deodorant stick with a hollowed-out center can store a surprising amount of cannabis, while a thick phone case provides just enough space for a discreet baggie. If you’re wearing cargo pants or a jacket with hidden pockets, these can also serve as excellent storage locations, especially when paired with smell-proof bags.
How to Smoke at a Concert or Festival Without Getting Caught
Getting cannabis into a festival is only half the battle. Once inside, the next challenge is consuming it discreetly. The last thing you want is to get ejected mid-show because security caught a whiff of your joint.
The safest and least conspicuous way to consume cannabis at an event is by using a vape pen. Vaporizers produce minimal smoke and odor, making them much harder to detect. If a vape isn’t an option, a one-hitter disguised as a cigarette is another low-profile way to enjoy your stash.
If you prefer the traditional joint, the key is choosing the right time and place to light up. Avoid smoking in densely packed crowds where security is patrolling, and instead, look for areas with less foot traffic. Standing downwind can also help mask the smell, as smoke dissipates more quickly when carried away from populated areas.
Another important tip is to act naturally. People who get caught smoking at festivals are often the ones who look nervous or guilty. If you behave like everything is normal and avoid drawing attention to yourself, chances are, security won’t notice you.
What Not to Do
While it’s important to know the best ways to bring cannabis into an event, it’s equally important to understand what not to do.
Avoid trying to sneak in large amounts of cannabis, as this significantly increases your chances of getting caught. Bringing more than a personal supply also carries additional legal risks, as possession limits are often strictly enforced at events. Never store weed in your wallet or front pockets, as these are among the first places for security checks. Similarly, using plastic bags that aren’t smell-proof can be a giveaway, especially if the strain you’re carrying has a particularly strong odor.
Perhaps the biggest mistake is smoking openly in front of security or staff. No matter how relaxed an event might seem, there are always rules in place, and breaking them in an obvious way is a surefire way to get kicked out.
Ultimately, the goal of sneaking weed into a concert or festival isn’t just to break the rules—it’s to enhance the experience in a way that doesn’t cause disruptions. Whether you choose to disguise your stash in everyday items, opt for edibles, or use a well-hidden storage method, the key is to be discreet, respectful, and mindful of your surroundings.